A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cesis vs. Luang Prabang for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cesis or Luang Prabang?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cesis and Luang Prabang can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Cesis or Luang Prabang?

Cesis

Cesis is the quintessential old world town in Latvia. It is nestled among rolling hills, giving it a beautiful, fantasy world like setting. The small town is sprinkled with old castles, fortresses, and parks that you can leisurely wander through to pass the time. There's a lovely town square that is the perfect place to grab a seat on a bench and people watch. Because of the square's central location, many residents pass through it on their way to and from the market. The town is intertwined with lovely cobblestone streets that are lined with old homes, in various stages of disrepair. Cesis manages to perfectly balance a level of authentic wear and tear with a fairytale ambiance. Outside of town you'll find great hiking trails that you can use to explore the rolling hills and picturesque countryside. The small town is also conveniently located less than 100 kilometers from Riga, making it an easy trip on a bus.

Luang Prabang

Southeast Asia is a region full of mystical wonders and cultural charm, but nowhere is as charming as the city of Luang Prabang. As the former capital of Laos, Luang Prabang was reopened to tourism in 1989. With that move the city experienced an upswing in revenue and was able to restore and rebuild the beautiful colonial mansions to serve as guesthouses and hotels for the new swarm of tourists.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.


Which place is cheaper, Luang Prabang or Cesis?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Cesis Prices
    Latvia Prices
    Luang Prabang Prices
    Laos Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cesis 138
    Luang Prabang 15

The average daily cost (per person) in Cesis is €138, while the average daily cost in Luang Prabang is €15. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cesis and Luang Prabang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cesis 47
    Luang Prabang 4.74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cesis 94
    Luang Prabang 9.48
Compare Hotels in Cesis and Luang Prabang

Looking for a hotel in Cesis or Luang Prabang? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cesis


Hotels in Luang Prabang


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cesis Hotel Prices and Luang Prabang Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cesis 30
    Luang Prabang 1.75

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    1.95

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang

Also for Luang Prabang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
  • LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
  • Luang Prabang 2 Day Slow Boat Transfer to Houay Xay: $69
  • Luang Prabang 2 Days Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
  • Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
  • Luang Prabang Private Transfers: Hotel -Railway Station - Airport: $9.60
  • 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
  • 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
  • Luang Prang 1 Day with Laos Railway Private Transfer: $180

Is it cheaper to fly into Cesis or Luang Prabang?

Prices for flights to both Luang Prabang and Cesis change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cesis 71
    Luang Prabang 7.84
Typical Food Prices in Cesis

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cesis:


  • Lunch in town for two
    6.67

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luang Prabang

For Luang Prabang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Luang Prabang Local Market and Morning Food Tour with Drinks: $39
  • Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
  • Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
  • Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
  • Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
  • Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
  • Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
  • Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
  • Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
  • Mekong Sunset Cruise & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
  • Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
  • Luang Prabang Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner: $55

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cesis 16
    Luang Prabang 2.26

Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.

  • Luang Prabang to Train Station Shared Minivan Ticket Or Private: $5.00
  • Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Waterfalls Shared Minivan Ticket: $8.00
  • Farm Tour and Buffalo Buffet Adventure: $9.00
  • Laos Buffalo Dairy Tours Interact, Learn and Taste Fresh Flavors: $14
  • Audio-Guided City Tour in Electric Car: $14
  • Laos–China Railway: Easy Train Tickets, No Queues, No Worries: $28
  • Natural Soap Making Experience - Luang Prabang: $28
  • Luang Prabang Half Day Tour with Mekong River Sunset Cruise: $29
  • Laos Railway: Train Tickets Easily - Skip the Lines - No worries: $30
  • Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
  • Afternoon Kuang Si Waterfalls & Sunset Cruise: $35
  • Unwind with a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cesis 17
    Luang Prabang 1.51


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cesis and Luang Prabang, we can see that Cesis is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cesis is in Europe and Luang Prabang is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Luang Prabang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luang Prabang and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Cesis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cesis than you might in Luang Prabang.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cesis Expensive? and Is Luang Prabang Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cesis or Luang Prabang?

Luang Prabang has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Cesis and Luang Prabang, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Cesis or Luang Prabang?

Cesis has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Luang Prabang experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Cesis or Luang Prabang in the Summer?

Both Luang Prabang and Cesis during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cesis for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.

In July, Cesis is generally much colder than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 17°C (63°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cesis usually gets less rain in July than Luang Prabang. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cesis 17°C (63°F) 
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Cesis or Luang Prabang in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Luang Prabang. The autumn months attract visitors to Cesis because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Cesis is much colder than Luang Prabang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Cesis usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cesis 7°C (45°F) 
    Luang Prabang 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Cesis or Luang Prabang in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Luang Prabang. The cuisine are the main draw to Cesis this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Cesis in the winter. In the winter, Cesis is much colder than Luang Prabang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cesis in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Luang Prabang averages at about 21°C (70°F).

Cesis usually gets more rain in January than Luang Prabang. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cesis -5°C (23°F) 
    Luang Prabang 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Cesis or Luang Prabang in the Spring?

Both Luang Prabang and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cesis for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Cesis is generally much colder than Luang Prabang. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 5°C (42°F), and Luang Prabang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. In April, Cesis usually receives less rain than Luang Prabang. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Luang Prabang receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cesis 5°C (42°F) 
    Luang Prabang 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Luang Prabang and Cesis

Cesis Luang Prabang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) 23°C (73°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 289 mm (11.4 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)


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